Eating, exploring and enjoying life

How running helped me achieve my fitness goals

I’ve had asthma and chronic respiratory issues for the past 20 years so anything that laboured my breathing was scary for me.

But last May, I added an app to my phone that would track running, walking or biking. I thought this may be a motivational tool for me. It is now, but damn, it took me awhile to get into it.

My first log was a bike ride on May 27: 2.74km – It was most likely the school run.

I burned 44 calories in 10 minutes.

May 31 – another bike ride: same results. Another school run.

It wasn’t until October 6th that I tracked my first run: 3.21km 28.50 minutes 148 calories burned.

Now, I’m sure I did not run the entire way. I am fit but running has always been hard for me and my ill-fated lungs.

In October, I ran a total of 6 days and I started to like it.

In November, which was a crazy mix of holiday and ALL GO mode, I ran 6 days as well.

Now, in December I am up to 7 days and yesterday I hit my goal for the first time!!!

I ran a continual 30 minutes. No stopping. No stitch. No breathing issues.

I would have the app record to prove it but of course, I had hit the pause button just after take-off and didn’t realise it until half way through my run!!!

Never mind. I know what I did. Now, 30 minutes will be my normal run time.

Since I added running to my fitness regime, I have been more committed to daily exercise. If I don’t have time for an hour (plus) workout, I know I can go for a run first thing in the morning and that’s my daily movement done! My aim is to do at least three 30-minute runs each week.

The added cardio has helped melt away my muffin top that was so difficult to tackle with muscle design and dance alone. Now, I have a nice balance between my Tracy Anderson DVDs (muscle design and dance cardio) and running.

Finally, after countless years of to-ing and fro-ing about my eating habits, stomach problems and lack of committed to my health, I am in a place where I get up in the morning and get straight to my fitness routine.

I am eating and drinking what I want (within reason – little wheat and dairy most days) and I don’t feel guilty about it or have any reason to worry about the weight or muffin top creeping back on.

At 42 years old, I can honestly say that I am feeling (and looking!) the best of my life. Taking care of yourself is so important!